Blog-Shaw Capital Management News: U.S. Air Force’s Second Missile Warning Satellite Completes Major Environmental Test at Lockheed Martin - Technologies

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has successfully completed acoustic testing of the second Space Based Infrared Method (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-2) spacecraft.The U.S. Air Force's SBIRS satellites produce the nation with drastically enhanced missile warning capabilities and simultaneously help other essential missions which includes missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.Through acoustic testing, the completely integrated GEO-2 spacecraft was paced via the maximum sound and vibration levels expected for the duration of launch into orbit. Acoustic and pyroshock testing are among a few essential environmental test phases that validate the overall satellite design, quality of workmanship and survivability for the duration of space car launching and on-orbit operations. GEO-2 will now undergo thermal vacuum testing, which will validate its efficiency at temperature extremes better than those expected for t he duration of on-orbit operations."SBIRS GEO-2 is progressing exceptionally smoothly on the path to delivery, and successful acoustic testing of the space car is indicative of the team's escalating expertise in fielding SBIRS spacecraft," said Col Scott Larrimore, Chief of the U.S. Air Force's SBIRS Space Division. "Our dedicated government and industry SBIRS team is focused on executing an effective and thorough environmental test phase and ultimately delivering the considerably needed capabilities SBIRS GEO-2 will bring to our warfighter."The very first geosynchronous (GEO-1) SBIRS satellite was launched Can 7, and has due to the fact reached orbit, deployed its instruments and activated its sophisticated infrared sensors. GEO-1 is performing as expected, and is now undergoing early orbit testing. GEO-2 is on track to be delivered and attainable for launch in spring 2012."Leveraging expertise gained from GEO-1, our SBIRS team executed a exceptionally smooth acoustic testi ng phase on GEO-2," saidDave Sheridan, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS deputy program director. "We recognize the significance of the SBIRS program and are committed to delivering GEO-2 efficiently and affordably for our client."The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Commandoperates the SBIRS program.Lockheed Martin's original SBIRS contract consists of HEO payloads, two geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites, as nicely as ground-based assets to receive and method the infrared information. The team is also beneath a adhere to-on production contract to deliver extra HEO payloads and the third and fourth GEO satellites, and linked ground modifications.Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people today worldwide and is principally en gaged in the analysis, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, items and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations had been $45.8 billion.